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Outside In
From one of America’s most beloved television A sharply observed, comedic novel about the flip side of fame—and a fresh take on Hollywood in all its outrageous, entertaining glory.
On the outside, Kate Keyes-Morgan seems to have it a starring role on the hit television series Generations, a handsome husband who is also her manager, a model-thin figure, and a career that, after an earlier slide, is finally back on track. At the age of thirty, Kate knows what it’s like to have the tabloids turn on you, and she never wants it to happen again. Thank goodness her husband, Hamilton, is there to manage her every move—even if the strict dieting and morning weigh-ins are becoming more than she can manage.
But when Hamilton leaves her for another actress on Generations , the ruthless diva Sapphire Rose, Kate suddenly finds herself in charge of her own life. Now she must decide whether she’s ready to stop playing by the Hollywood rulebook and discover who she really is. With the help of her wise-cracking friend and tough-love makeup artist, Paige, and Michael, a high-powered film agent who secretly dreams of becoming a novelist, Kate begins to question her role in an industry that venerates appearance, money, and fame above all else, and that applies ceaseless pressure on women to always be thinner, younger, and more beautiful, at any cost.
From high fashion to on-set antics to the real-life whispers about celebrities that even the tabloids never tell, Courtney Thorne-Smith depicts the entertainment world as only an insider can. Yet beneath the glamorous facade lies a natural-born writer with a gift for comic timing and shaping memorable characters. If you’ve ever wanted to experience life in the spotlight or wondered what goes on behind dressing room doors, Outside In is your invitation into the glittering world of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
On the outside, Kate Keyes-Morgan seems to have it a starring role on the hit television series Generations, a handsome husband who is also her manager, a model-thin figure, and a career that, after an earlier slide, is finally back on track. At the age of thirty, Kate knows what it’s like to have the tabloids turn on you, and she never wants it to happen again. Thank goodness her husband, Hamilton, is there to manage her every move—even if the strict dieting and morning weigh-ins are becoming more than she can manage.
But when Hamilton leaves her for another actress on Generations , the ruthless diva Sapphire Rose, Kate suddenly finds herself in charge of her own life. Now she must decide whether she’s ready to stop playing by the Hollywood rulebook and discover who she really is. With the help of her wise-cracking friend and tough-love makeup artist, Paige, and Michael, a high-powered film agent who secretly dreams of becoming a novelist, Kate begins to question her role in an industry that venerates appearance, money, and fame above all else, and that applies ceaseless pressure on women to always be thinner, younger, and more beautiful, at any cost.
From high fashion to on-set antics to the real-life whispers about celebrities that even the tabloids never tell, Courtney Thorne-Smith depicts the entertainment world as only an insider can. Yet beneath the glamorous facade lies a natural-born writer with a gift for comic timing and shaping memorable characters. If you’ve ever wanted to experience life in the spotlight or wondered what goes on behind dressing room doors, Outside In is your invitation into the glittering world of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
3 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 1, 2009
A fun read...I particularly enjoyed the banter between Paige and Kate.....
January 26, 2015
A quick, easy read. This is a fun, light book. Parts were annoying, but due to the genre, the reader can be comfortable in their confidence that the protagonist will overcome.
January 6, 2014
Earlier this week, I went to the Harold Washington Library with my good friend Ellen (I live in Chicago now! Potential SURPRISE!). It was AWESOME and so huge! However, we were looking for one book in particular for a book club we were thinking of joining (didn't find it, so didn't join) and therefore basically ended up at one shelf, by which time it was getting late. So, I grabbed two books with authors whose last names start with T.
The first of these books is Outside In by Courtney Thorne-Smith. I'm not gonna pretend I didn't know it would be trashy, because I did. So can you! Look at the cover (yes, I preliminarily judge books by their covers).
What I did not realize, until after I had checked it out, was that it was written by an actual actress, the woman who plays Jim's wife on According to Jim. The book discusses the life of an actress (not sure how much of this is based on real life), Kate, who is in a soap opera and has a suuuper manipulative (not believably so) husband/agent who then breaks up with her for the diva of the show, Sapphire Rose. That part, I did know before I checked it out, so don't think I'm too virtuous/high-brow or anything.
I didn't hate it. In fact, the characters were pretty good, and it was both light and interesting enough to keep me reading on the L (where I sometimes switch over to some fantastic people/window-watching). However, I mean, it's a book about an actress, by an actress. It includes a lot of Starbucks, insecurity, and lingerie. If you're ready for that, you're ready for this.
Relevant quote:
"Okay... and how do I learn to trust myself? Is there a pill I can take or something?"
Anyone surprised? Nah? Okay. Basically, a good (enough) beach read. If I read it again in a few years (which I have no special desire to do), I probably wouldn't remember that I'd read it already. But it kept me entertained for a few hours!
Why not? If this genre is what you're in the mood for, this book'll do the job. And I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes this is just what I'm in the mood for!
The first of these books is Outside In by Courtney Thorne-Smith. I'm not gonna pretend I didn't know it would be trashy, because I did. So can you! Look at the cover (yes, I preliminarily judge books by their covers).
What I did not realize, until after I had checked it out, was that it was written by an actual actress, the woman who plays Jim's wife on According to Jim. The book discusses the life of an actress (not sure how much of this is based on real life), Kate, who is in a soap opera and has a suuuper manipulative (not believably so) husband/agent who then breaks up with her for the diva of the show, Sapphire Rose. That part, I did know before I checked it out, so don't think I'm too virtuous/high-brow or anything.
I didn't hate it. In fact, the characters were pretty good, and it was both light and interesting enough to keep me reading on the L (where I sometimes switch over to some fantastic people/window-watching). However, I mean, it's a book about an actress, by an actress. It includes a lot of Starbucks, insecurity, and lingerie. If you're ready for that, you're ready for this.
Relevant quote:
"Okay... and how do I learn to trust myself? Is there a pill I can take or something?"
Anyone surprised? Nah? Okay. Basically, a good (enough) beach read. If I read it again in a few years (which I have no special desire to do), I probably wouldn't remember that I'd read it already. But it kept me entertained for a few hours!
Why not? If this genre is what you're in the mood for, this book'll do the job. And I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes this is just what I'm in the mood for!
October 20, 2008
I was pleasantly surprised at Thorne Smith's writing. You just never know what to expect when an actor moves into the writing field (just like when a model says she wants to act... most of the time it's a big "Oh no!")
The story of hot starlet Katie and how her world turns upside down when her emotionally abusive and controlling husband dumps her is not deep or meaningful, but it is a pleasant diversion. The author obviously knows of whence she speaks, dropping names and tart commentary with equal aplomb.
The story follows a predictable path with Katie rising above her circumstances and ending up better off than with her jerk of a husband. She gets a new man, a new job, and a new friend in the bargain -- not too bad!
The biggest complaints I have are that the dialog seems a tad too contrived, with the banter too self-conscious. And I really wanted to see the philandering couple get theirs in the end, NOT get a plum movie role.
All in all, though, you could do a lot worse than Outside In.
The story of hot starlet Katie and how her world turns upside down when her emotionally abusive and controlling husband dumps her is not deep or meaningful, but it is a pleasant diversion. The author obviously knows of whence she speaks, dropping names and tart commentary with equal aplomb.
The story follows a predictable path with Katie rising above her circumstances and ending up better off than with her jerk of a husband. She gets a new man, a new job, and a new friend in the bargain -- not too bad!
The biggest complaints I have are that the dialog seems a tad too contrived, with the banter too self-conscious. And I really wanted to see the philandering couple get theirs in the end, NOT get a plum movie role.
All in all, though, you could do a lot worse than Outside In.
December 23, 2007
Yes, that Courtney Thorne Smith! I'll keep you posted. Well, I'd probably give this 1.5 stars if I could. Really just a glorified Harlequin with lots of insider type info about the LA/tv/movie world. Unfortunately, a lot of it revolves around food/dieting/body image, which I imagine, is very true. Kate doesn't so much stand up to her husband Hamilton, as he just leaves her for what looks to be a more malleable actress to control. Kate's subsequent re-hiring to her show as actress/producer is also the product of help from her friend Michael, instead of some sort of new found spunk on her part. It was a book I finished, but probably didn't ever really need to read, you know?
April 16, 2011
I had high hopes for this. I'd seen some interviews with Courtney Thorne-Smith over the years and she always struck me as smart, articulate, and funny, so I thought there was a chance she'd make a good writer. Alas, while some parts of the book were funny (particularly some of the dialogue), this was pretty much run-of-the-mill chick lit with some incredibly cartoonish characters. I had kind of hoped it would be Thorne-Smith's thinly veiled account of life on the Melrose Place or Ally McBeal set, but no such luck--it's too generic for that. The author's fame made me curious about her writing and kept me reading, but if it weren't for her fame I probably would have tossed this aside after 50 pages or so.
October 8, 2018
An easy read by one of my favorite actresses of the 90’s; Courtney Thorne Smith. I thought at first that this would be an auto biography but it was a fictional novel instead. A pretty good one too. I enjoyed reading it and it kept me wanting to read more so I always consider that as a success. I left 2 stars out because I felt like the end sort of hit the wall. There could have been a little bit more about the fate of the ever so irritating Sapphire Rose and her new lover Hamilton? But hey,maybe there will be a sequel?
August 22, 2013
This book was fluffy and predictable but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The bad guys were all bad so I hated them and the good guys were all good so I loved them. I would liked to have seen Kate stand up to the bad guys a little bit but she had the last laugh in the end. What I liked the most were the witty conversations. It was easy and fun.
November 7, 2007
I enjoyed this far more than I care to admit, although the woman could have used a far better copy editor. There are a lot of grammatical and spelling errors, and in a reference to "Star Trek's" Tribbles, they are called Trebles.
December 1, 2007
The mindless fluff I was looking for. Enjoyable although I would have liked more time spent with the "new and improved Kate" than with the "I don't understand why she takes the abuse Kate". I did enjoy it more than I thought I would though.
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November 10, 2007I had to read this book for my book club - and no surprise here - it was horrible. The main character's husband was so rediculous that he wasn't even believable and the main character herself was such a wimp I ended up hating her. I felt like I was reading one of those horrible Lifetime movies.
March 5, 2008
Another light and predictible read, but altogether entertaining. I found myself really rooting for the main character. The author is the actress we have heard of, and so I wondered how much of the book was based on her personal experiences.
September 8, 2008
This was a pretty good read. Hollywood drama, crazy people and some lovable ones too. If you are looking for something that doesn't require you to stay fully present...this is definately a good read.
January 8, 2009
Pretty bad book. It was predictable from start to finish - no element of surprise at all, and not even the tiniest plot twist. Also it was hard to read whenever the character "Hamilton" spoke. I'm sorry, but no one, not matter how self-absorbed speaks that way.
February 3, 2016
I really wanted to like this book, but some of the characters were just too unbelievable...but I guess that is the point it was kind of trying to make...giving an '"insider's" p.o.v. There was some good snappy dialogue. I hope she writes another one.
September 29, 2007
hollywood tv star has jerk for husband and finally stands up for herself.
December 15, 2007
Read like a Lifetime movie. I actually met her and got the book signed. I think meeting her made the book better.
January 1, 2008
While I can't say I hated this book, it was very one dimensional and pretty shallow. If you're looking for a quick read, it's not bad.
January 30, 2008
Some celebs should not pen novels and just stick with acting. This book is proof.
August 3, 2009
Fluffy story about Hollywood.
April 20, 2011
Fun read, better than expected
June 19, 2011
The author of this book is a well-known actress and the novel follows a path of expectation, with no surprises or turns. This is a typical Hollywood novel with no redeeming value.
February 19, 2012
Really enjoyed this book up til the end. I couldn't help but thinking how true is this for so many actresses. the last 50 or so pages picked up pace for the story so it was harder to picture.
February 20, 2012
Dialogue so surprisingly bad. And a trite, predictable story. Characters pretty unbelievable.
Read
March 11, 2012It was one of those I had to read, despite my better judgement. And, well, it was no better or worse than I thought it would be.
May 2, 2012
This book surprised me--liked it more than I expected. Good dialogue, funny & a fast read.
August 10, 2012
one hell of an amazing book!
January 7, 2022
A quick fun read. I became intrigued after watching Ally McBeal and became curious about Ms. Smith's writing.
December 25, 2023
This book was really good. I had no idea Courtney Thorne-Smith could write as well as act! It was a quick, fun read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews